Auckland commuter train services may grind to a halt shortly after union members voted to strike over what they're calling serious safety threats.
Workers are protesting the proposal to introduce driver only services. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
This follows strike action in Wellington, where staff are set to walk off the job for the second time in two weeks tomorrow.
An organiser for the Rail and Maritime Union, John Kerr, said union members working for Transdev in Auckland have voted 84 percent in favour of strike action in protest at the company's proposal to introduce driver only services.
He said the security and safety implications of getting rid of permanent on-board crews are serious and the railway will become a criminal's paradise.
Mr Kerr said the union, which has been in collective bargaining since May, has requested urgent talks with both Auckland Transport and Transdev today to try to resolve the issue.